Introducing our Utility Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (Water) Course – also known as SHEA Water

The Utility Safety Health and Environment Awareness portfolio of schemes have been developed in conjunction with industry to provide a uniform approach to health, safety and environmental awareness training across the utilities sector, in line with Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

Utility SHEA (Water) comprises of thirteen modules. The eight core modules are common to all utility industries and form the basis of health, safety and environmental law and practices. There are five modules that are specific to the water industry which cover a range of operations within the clean water network, the sewerage network and process operations. All trainees will complete the core modules, however dependent on job role, they may complete any combination of the Clean Water Network, Sewerage Network and Process modules. It is designed to provide on-site evidence that an individual has demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge and awareness. It is a passport scheme and does not indicate any level of technical competence or skilled expertise.

CSCS Affiliation

The Utility SHEA (Water) scheme is affiliated with the CSCS to allow water industry workers access to construction sites for purposes of utilities work without the need to complete a separate CSCS card.

Who is the Course for?

The water scheme is designed for all persons involved in the operational activities of the water industry who require access to sites, both permanent and temporary, including all levels of operatives, supervisors and management. A Utility SHEA (Water) card lasts for three years from the date of training.

Transition

Individuals who have recently completed a SHEA Water course are able to transition across to other SHEA schemes including CCPHSE, by completing a shorter course which contextualises the content from the initial course. This transition route is available to any individuals with a valid ‘Eligible for SHEA reciprocity’ endorsement on the website register search.

Please note: the registration gained from the transition route will expire 3 years (5 for SHEA Gas) after the initial course.

Course Content

The course content and delivery specification has been developed through consultation with the water industry. Training material is produced and managed by EUSR on the industry’s behalf. The content is reviewed periodically and consists of eight core modules and five specific to the water industry. All core modules and the Hygiene & Health module must be completed, along with one or a combination of the Network, Sewerage Network or Process operation modules as required by the trainee. The course may only be delivered by trainers approved and licensed by EU Skills.

The course will be delivered through the context of the water industry.

Modules

Module 1:
Your Responsibilities

• State the duties of their employer under the Health & Safety at Work etc. act (1974) not to allow injury to occur to their employees and other persons
• Explain requirements for instruction, information and training
• State their duties under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) not to harm themselves or other persons
• Describe the role and powers of HSE inspectors
• State the principles followed in the Construction, Design & Management Regulations (2007) (CDM)
• Explain the role of a Safety Policy and Safety Management System
• Briefly explain the costs associates with poor environmental management
• Describe the responsibilities of the Environmental Agency and Scottish Environmental Agency

Module 2:
Risk Assessment

• Define hazards (potential to cause harm)
• Define risk
• Describe the 5 step approach to risk assessment
• State hazards associated with people, equipment, materials, working environment and natural environment
• Describe appropriate control measures
• Describe the principles behind risk reduction methods including the hierarchy of control, using \’real world\’ examples
• State types of PPE which can be used
• Explain the need for PPE
• Explain the responsibilities of the employer to provide and maintain PPE
• State their responsibilities to wear, maintain and store PPE
• Explain how PPE is selected

Module 3
Workplace Procedures

• State hazards associated with access and egress, to place of work e.g. falls from height, slips, trips etc
• State the reasons for good housekeeping
• Explain signage used in the working environment
• Describe the welfare provision required
• Define the terms: \’hazard\’, \’near miss\’ and \’accident\’
• Explain the required reporting processes for near miss, accidents, work related illnesses and dangerous occurrences
• Explain why all accidents should be reported, however minor
• State general emergency procedures e.g. fire evacuation and first aid
• Explain the need to assist in any investigations
• Recognised extinguisher types and their correct use

Module 4
Physical Hazards (Part 1)

• State the responsibilities of employers and employees under the Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
• Describe the use of appropriate safety equipment e.g. lifting aids
• State basic checks required prior to operating portable electrical tools
• State the risks from transport
• Describe how to ensure the mobile plant is operated safely
• Demonstrate understanding of the need for plant inspections
• State the need for specific plant training
• State the basic conditions required to be met in order to comply with the Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) (1998)
• State the basic principles applied within working at height regulations
• Describe how ladders are used safely
• Describe the need to maintain safe distances from overhead services at which vehicle, plant and equipment can be used safely, and the requirements if it is necessary to work closer than guideline distances
• State the requirements when working in the vicinity of a railway

Module 5
Working in the Highway

• Understand basic principles of working within the highway, e.g. signing, lighting & guarding
• State what checks should be carried out on a vehicle before travelling
• State the considerations for working in the vicinity of the public concern and particular locations
• Understand safe egress and access to and from network sites, e.g. plant and delivery movements

Module 6
Physical Hazards (Part 2)

• Describe hazards associated with excavations
• Explain the hazards of working with gas / water / electricity
• Describe why markers alone may not be an accurate indicator of the position of underground services
• Describe how to locate underground services safely
• Explain why all excavations must be made safe from collapse
• State the requirements for impaction of supported excavations under CDM regulations
• Define a confined space
• Describe the hazards associated with confined spaces
• Explain who can enter a confined space

Module 7
Excavations (Network Additional Module)

• Understand safe systems of work, e.g. site specific risk assessment and method statements as applied to excavation
• Recognise the importance of locating, identifying and avoiding of underground services
• Understand safe digging techniques
• Be aware of the techniques used to prevent ground collapse
• State the actions to be followed in case of damage to services

Module 8
Process Operations (Process Additional Module)

• Describe the types of hazards associated with clean and waste water treatment, and the measures that can be taken to avoid harm
• Be aware of the risks on shared site activities (contractors working on company sites)
• Understand safe access and egress in relation to process sites, e.g. plant and delivery movements, working at heights, above deep water
• Understand the risks associated with lone working and personal security
• Other site services & risks that influence process operations, e.g. overhead / underground cables, explosive / toxic piped gas
• How to respond to emergency situations, e.g. chlorine leak
• Identify machinery which could cause injury, e.g. entanglement, amputation and burns

Module 9
Sewerage Network (Sewerage Network Additional Module)

• Describe the hazards associates with working on the waste water network
• Understand the specific manual handling requirements, e.g. manhole lifting, valve turning
• Understand safe practice for entering manholes
• Describe the considerations which must be taken when using breathing apparatus and escape sets
• State the hazards associated with high pressure water jetting

Module 10
Hazards to Health (Part 1)

• Explain the considerations prior to moving a load
• Describe the potential effects of noise
• State the level of noise at which hearing protection must be made available and at which it must be worn
• State causes of Hand Arm Vibration
• Describe signs and effects of Hand Arm Vibration and how it can be prevented
• State causes of Whole Body Vibration and how the risk can be minimised

Module 11
Hazards to Health (Part 2)

• State appropriate risk assessments regarding COSHH
• Describe potential effects on health of hazardous substances
• State types of biohazards
• State risk areas for leptospirosis and describe how to minimise the hazards associated with it
• State risk areas for hypodermic needles and describe how to minimise the hazards associated with them
• Explain the role of Occupational Health
• Describe examples of physical, chemical and biological hazards that can affect the employee\’s health and safety
• State personal responsibilities to maintain personal health and safety e.g. awareness of occupational stress

Module 12
Hygiene & Health (Mandatory Additional Module)

• Understand the need for hygiene awareness e.g. infections, dermatitis
• Understand the need for good hygiene practices e.g. clothes, vehicles, pipes and hand cleaning
• Explain what considerations must be taken when working on restricted operations
• State the dangers associated with working in direct sunlight

Module 13
The Environment

• Describe key environmental considerations
• Explain how your activities can affect the environment
• Describe potential causes of environmental damage
• State and give examples of different types of waste
• State the waste hierarchy
• Explain how to store waste safely
• Explain why waste should not be disposed of in water courses or burned
• State high risk areas for hazardous materials
• Describe the procedure for dealing with an emergency spillage
• Explain reporting requirements for environmental incidents

Duration

One-day programme. The card is valid for three years.

Assessment

Multiple choice examination for each of the thirteen modules. Four out of each five questions must be passed. Accreditation is from Energy and Utility Skills.

Maximum Number of Attendees

12 people.

What should I bring to the course?

Proof of identity such as a passport, driving licence or similar.